Poughkeepsie, NY – The Wagner College water polo team finished the 2012 season as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) runner-up after suffering a heartbreaking 10-9 overtime loss to the top-seeded Gaels of Iona College.  Mirroring a repeat of last season's conference finale, the Gaels rallied for the come-from-behind victory after being down four goals in the second quarter.

The Seahawks took an early first quarter 4-1 advantage with goals from freshman Rachel Burns (Greenlane, Auckland, New Zealand / Diocesan School for Girls), sophomore Stacy McGregor (Sinking Spring, PA / Wilson) and two from senior co-captain Chelsea Beck (Reading, PA / Wilson). 

Wagner continued to increase the deficit to 6-2 mid-way through the second period as senior co-captain Lauren French (Colmar, PA / North Penn) notched on her first goal of the game two minutes into the period and then continued to nail a breakaway shot.  After Wagner committed a penalty, Iona was awarded a 5-meter penalty shot which was blocked with an acrobatic save by junior Laura Karbach (Abington, PA / Germantown Academy).  Allowing only two Iona goals in the second period, Wagner entered halftime with a 6-3 lead.

Following the break, the Gaels came out with vengeance as they drew a Seahawk exclusion and continued to capitalize on the extra-man opportunity.  Answering back immediately, senior Molly Robinson (Lansdale, PA / North Penn) found freshman Michelle Greenough (Davis, CA / Davis) open in front of the net as the rookie put the Seahawks up by three.  Iona maintained the strong attack and managed to knock in two more third period goals to narrow the Seahawk lead to just one as the score settled at 7-6 heading into the fourth quarter.

During the final eight minutes, the Green & White fought to hold on to their lone goal lead.  However, within the first two minutes of play, the Gaels took the lead after two back-to-back goals.  The Seahawks answered back as Beck capitalized on a 5-meter penalty shot to set the game at an 8-8 tie at the end of regulation.

The first overtime period saw two Iona goals as Wagner narrowed the Gaels' lead to one in the second overtime period with French's third goal of the match.  However, despite a valiant offensive effort from the Seahawks, the Gaels' late rally proved to be the deciding factor as they walked away with their second straight MAAC Championship title.

Karbach recorded 12 blocks, two assists and one steal for the Green & White as both Beck and French led the team in goals with three each.

At the conclusion of the Tournament, Beck and French were named to the 2012 MAAC Water Polo All-Tournament team following their impressive performances in both the semifinal victory over Marist and in the Championship game. 

The Seahawks recorded an overall record of 20-17 and a MAAC record of 10-4.